What Is The Best Pet Animal For Me

Leonard is a former teacher and principal who has also been a writer for the past two decades. Writing and animals are his truthful loves.

If you're looking around for a new friendly companion to share your life with, read on to find out which animals are the most affectionate and loving.

Owning a Pet Is Beneficial

We all know that owning a pet can have a number of significant benefits for people. Pet ownership has disquisitional mental health advantages, such as relieving stress, anxiety, and low. As well, there are many proven concrete advantages also, including lowering blood pressure level and even reducing the risk of having a center attack. However, not all pets are created equal when it comes to helping their stressed-out owners. Some animals are naturally more affectionate than others.

According to Blair Justice, author of Who Gets Ill: How Behavior, Moods, and Thoughts Affect Your Health, physical contact with our pets immediately releases a number of hurting relievers in the trunk, including serotonin, oxytocin, dopamine, and prolactin.

This considered, it comes as no peachy shock that humans typically prefer pets that dearest to be affectionate and cuddle. The question that instantly comes to mind then: which pets are the most appreciating? Read along and you will detect some answers that might come as a surprise!

Which Animals Brand the Virtually Loving and Appreciating Pets?

Here's a quick breakdown of the most friendly and affectionate animals that make keen friends for your journey through life:

1. Dogs
2. Cats
3. Pot-Bellied Pigs
4. Rabbits
5. Fancy Rats
6. Guinea Pigs
7. Horses
8. Cockatoos
9. Sugar Gliders
10. Skunks

Read on to find more detailed descriptions of each animal and what makes them such peachy companions for cuddling and loving!

i. Dogs

Dogs are not called "Human being's Best Friend" by accident. Non only are they fiercely loyal, but dogs are as well extremely affectionate. Quite similar to humans, dogs are social animals who desire to bond, be accepted, and exist loved. Dogs' tendency to mercilessly lick their owners is a prime number example of their affection. While this may occasionally simply exist an endeavour to lick the salt from the skin, it is usually a demonstration of a dog'due south affection and dearest.

While it is truthful that some dogs are certainly more affectionate than others, this is primarily due to upbringing and the fault usually rests with the human possessor. Even breeds considered to be overly aggressive, such every bit pit bulls or Rottweilers, can turn into the most affectionate and cuddly softies if they're provided with a secure and loving home. From their endless licking to their tendency to basically tackle you with excitement every time you come home, there can be niggling uncertainty that dogs are ane of the most affectionate pets.

Mutual Ways for Dogs to Show Affection:

• snuggling
• hugging
• tail-wagging
• licking
• barking
• playing games
• protecting you lot
• jumping up into the air
• leaning against y'all
• post-obit you around

Dogs are loyal and affectionate pets.

two. Cats

Cats have frequently been described as cold, disinterested, and aloof. This is actually a very unfair clarification of cats, every bit they are quite affectionate in reality. Dogs and cats prove their affection differently, only in most cases, cats have true loyalty and affection for their owners. There have been countless documented cases when cats accept risked their lives to assist an owner whom they perceived to be in danger.

In his book, Cat Sense: How the New Feline Scientific discipline Tin can Make You a Meliorate Friend to Your Pet, John Bradshaw claims that cats are only as loving and appreciating equally dogs. He goes further to bespeak out that cats have essentially received a "bad rap" mainly due to the fact that they show affection differently than a pet domestic dog. Such actions every bit pointing their tail upright and rubbing up confronting owners are clear displays of amore, which are oft misunderstood by human owners. Despite the stereotype of being cold and distant, cats are clearly appreciating pets.

Common Ways for Cats to Show Affection:

• snuggling
• hugging
• licking
• kneading
• purring
• playing games
• protecting you
• rubbing up confronting yous
• following you effectually
• sitting on your lap

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Cats are more affectionate than they appear.

3. Pot-Bellied Pigs

Another very affectionate animal that is oftentimes chosen as a pet is the pot-bellied hog. This is another beast that has a number of negative stereotypes associated with it. For case, we take all heard the phrases "eat like a pig" or "sweat like a pig" or "filthy as a hog sty." The truth is, however, that pigs are very intelligent, sociable, and clean animals. (The principal reason they often roll around in mud is because they lack sweat glands and are trying to absurd off.)

Pot-bellied pigs are also uncommonly affectionate. They take an intense craving for companionship and reply very well to touch. They too beloved to play and should be given frequent access to open spaces to run around in, ideally with lots of shade for cooling down. In fact, they are quite curious and playful and tin become easily bored if not provided with enough activities and stimuli. As such, it's a adept thought to "hog-proof" your domicile but in case they become overly curious or destructive. Only if you have the power to provide them with a good dwelling house and lots of attention, pot-bellied pigs can easily turn into one of your dearest, well-nigh affectionate companions.

Common Ways for Pot-Bellied Pigs to Testify Affection:

• snuggling
• tail-wagging
• licking
• squealing
• playing games
• protecting you
• rubbing their nose on you
• following yous around

Though they accept the common stigma of being filthy, pigs are actually quite clean animals, with near of the same endearing qualities equally dogs.

four. Rabbits

The term "bunny rabbit" is synonymous with visions of cute, fluffy, and loving fiddling creatures hopping and billowy effectually from place to place. This perception is not too far away from the actual truth, as rabbits make for very interesting, entertaining, and affectionate pets. In fact, rabbits tin can exist merely as loyal and affectionate every bit dogs. They also have a wide range of personalities—from tranquility and shy to approachable and playful—to suit any kind of possessor.

A very close bond can be established between a rabbit and their possessor. It is important to remember, however, that while rabbits are appreciating, they specifically respond well to simply certain types of handling. For example, they exercise not similar being picked upward and much adopt to be cuddled and petted while they are on the basis or in your lap. If the rabbit is not pleased with the handling tactic of its owner, a quick instinctive nip or scratch may follow. Thus, it is important to proceed an eye on modest children whenever they are interacting with a rabbit they practice not know. Nevertheless, when treated correct, the bunny rabbit is an exceptionally appreciating pet.

Common Ways for Rabbits to Show Amore:

• snuggling
• licking
• squealing
• playing games
• demanding head rubs
• running around your anxiety
• jumping up into the air
• following you around

When handled correctly, rabbits are very appreciating pets.

5. Fancy Rats

At that place tin be little doubt most the fact that many people are deathly afraid of rats. This creature has the unenviable reputation of beingness creepy and fell and has been associated with the images of unimaginable death during the era of the Black Plague. While information technology is true that the sewer systems are home to a multitude of rats, it is also right that these are not what we are by and large suggesting you effort to keep as a new cuddly pet.

Fancy rats are not sewer animals at all and are actually quite clean and regular self-groomers. They are too very intelligent, loyal, and affectionate animals. Fancy rats are sociable animals with a loftier degree of empathy and playfulness and are very affectionate to their human owners. They often bask solving puzzles and fifty-fifty love to just hang out on their owners' shoulders. If they are treated well and appropriately, fancy rats can be a perfect pet.

Mutual Means for Rats to Prove Affection:

• snuggling
• licking
• squealing
• playing games
• following you effectually
• sitting on your shoulder

Believe it or non, fancy rats are sociable, empathetic, and affectionate pets.

half-dozen. Guinea Pigs

The fact that republic of guinea pigs are affectionate with their owners is very special indeed. They are natural "prey rodents," and every bit such, their natural instinct is to run and hide, not play and cuddle. However, consider the following quote by Niki Vettel in which she describes her affectionate relationship with her pet:

"Calling Ralphie affectionate is a ridiculous understatement. He loves to sit, one-half-napping on my shoulder, his back legs stretched out to their total four inches and his furry whiskered confront nuzzled against my neck."

Once the important trust is created, republic of guinea pigs will be incredibly loyal and affectionate pets with their human being owners. They're such social creatures, in fact, that it's often best to own at least ii guinea pigs at a fourth dimension so that they always have someone to keep them company—lest they begin to feel lonesome and isolated.

Guinea pigs also tend to take easily discernible personalities and generally make their likes and dislikes quite apparent through different behaviors and sound. They also make great offset pets for young children.

Common Ways for Republic of guinea Pigs to Bear witness Affection:

• snuggling
• licking
• squealing
• jumping upwardly into the air
• playing games
• following yous around
• sitting on your shoulder

The loyal and affectionate guinea grunter is like shooting fish in a barrel to fall in love with.

7. Horses

A horse is certainly not a pet to keep around the business firm! They require large spaces, stables, and a steadfast commitment from their owners. Non too many people have the ability or resources to go along a horse as a pet, and many would argue that horses are majestic animals who should never be considered every bit a pet in the start place. (I suppose we could actually brand that statement for all animals, but that is a story for some other 24-hour interval.) The fact of the matter is that horses are very affectionate animals who intensely bask the company of their human owners.

Horses are known for recognizing and often reflecting the emotions and behaviors of the humans around them. In fact, they are ofttimes infrequent at calming hard-to-reach children or recovering addicts, sometimes resulting in similarly calming furnishings for the horses themselves. They are breathtaking animals that will be very affectionate with owners who accept taken the time to establish a proper and long-lasting bond.

Common Ways for Horses to Show Amore:

• snuggling
• hugging
• licking
• nickering (purring)
• playing games
• leaning up against you
• rubbing their nose on you lot

Horses are known to be exceptionally skilful at calming hard-to-reach children and recovering addicts, every bit they frequently convey an understanding and tranquil presence.

eight. Cockatoos

When considering affectionate pets, birds practice not come to mind very often. They are frequently seen equally unintelligent and skittish—a pet that is non probable to display whatever caste of loyalty or amore. Still, anyone who makes such an exclamation has manifestly not endemic a cockatoo. This bird thrives on the contact, love, and affection that information technology receives from its owner.

They are widely known to be playful, affectionate, and cuddly pets that volition develop a love and bond with their possessor—especially if they do so at a young age (as older cockatoos often have a harder time bonding with new owners). They actually crave attending and affection so much that if information technology is not given regularly, the cockatoo will even brainstorm to develop behavioral issues. They are too the perfect pet for anyone who plans to spend a lot of time with these animals sharing mutual affection. (Alternatively, information technology might likewise be a good thought to remember nigh getting two at a fourth dimension so that they e'er have someone to keep them company.) And since cockatoos tin can live anywhere from 40–80 years depending on the species, y'all tin can potentially stop upwards with a lifelong friend.

Common Ways for Cockatoos to Show Amore:

• snuggling
• kissing
• demanding attending
• following your movements
• letting y'all handle them

Cockatoos are very affectionate pet birds.

9. Carbohydrate Gliders

Saccharide gliders are very small Australian possums whose normal habitats are up in the treetops. They have besides not experienced the genetic process of domestication in the same way that cats and dogs have. Thus, there are many people who would debate that sugar gliders should but not be kept as a pet. Nevertheless, these animals are extremely popular exotic pets, and their owners contend that if they are treated properly, they will thrive. In fact, they are frequently referred to as "pocket pets" who form an intense bond with their owners.

Loyalty, playfulness, and outright displays of affection are all part of the sugar glider pet contour. Merely brand sure they accept lots of room to play in their cage and get some time out of it to glide around as well. This is also some other pet that requires a lot of time and commitment from their handlers—especially during the initial bonding process. Ownership should not exist entered into lightly. If given time, love, and affection, still, the sugar glider volition respond in kind.

Common Ways for Carbohydrate Gliders to Show Amore:

• snuggling
• licking
• playing games
• rubbing up against yous
• following you around

Though they may non be advisable for potential owners in many contexts, those that are able to properly care for sugar gliders will find very affectionate and loving friends.

10. Skunks

The skunk is some other animal that has a fairly poor reputation. This is due in large function to their powerful scent, which sends humans and other animals alike running in the opposite direction when skunks cross their paths. However, there are a growing number of people who are keeping skunks as pets. They claim that once the skunk is de-scented, they make for an exceptionally loyal, loving, and appreciating pet. This quote from skunk owner Travis Hamze illustrates this preceding betoken quite well:

"People always say skunks are like cats as pets. That always makes me laugh because it's never someone who's had a skunk conspicuously. Skunk people know the truth of this quite well. Skunks are way more affectionate and way smarter!"

Skunks are also often friendly with children and usually become along well with other animals similar dogs and cats. One time once again, if treated well, a skunk can brand for a top-notch companion. Just make certain you don't get out them alone too frequently or for extended periods of fourth dimension, as they can become solitary and agitated if left to themselves for too long.

Mutual Means for Skunks to Bear witness Affection:

• snuggling
• licking
• playing games
• demanding attention
• rubbing up against you

Though they are often thought of as stinky and undesirable animals, skunks can go wonderful pets if properly domesticated.

What Are Some Other Affectionate Animals?

Hither are a few more animals that also brandish affection for their owners and could make similarly great pets:

• Chinchillas: Though they may non accept traditionally been the nigh pop option for companion animals, chinchillas are actually on the ascension among prospective pet owners. They have incredibly soft fur and dearest to cuddle. While they do absolutely require a good amount of time to clean and take care of, they tin can exist a swell, if anarchistic, candidate for the spot of your newest loving friend.
• Hamsters: Not terribly dissimilar to guinea pigs or rats, these rodents display vast ranges of personalities and often accept to sure owners more than others. They also enjoy playing games and nuzzling upward with their favorite humans.
• Disguised Dragons: Though they may be reptiles, these gentle lizards can actually exist surprisingly appreciating. They conspicuously recognize and respond to their owners and frequently communicate with other bearded dragons, besides equally with humans. They even like to caress sometimes. Plus, they're a great alternative to furred or feathered pets, specially for people with brute allergies.

If you're looking for even more suggestions of less-common affectionate pets, cheque out this great PetHelpful commodity on seven Cuddly and Appreciating Exotic Pets.

Are You Able to Exist a Responsible, Loving Pet Possessor?

Having a pet can exist an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding feel. Pets provide love, affection, and companionship. Usually, all they actually expect in return is the exact aforementioned matter. That is why it is so critically of import that people comport proper research before they consider pet ownership. Dissimilar types of animals have diverse needs, and people need to ensure that they are willing to encounter those requirements and capable of doing then.

When considering exotic pets, it is as well very important to examine local regulations and laws to ensure that it is legal to own a particular type of pet. If due diligence and intendance are taken, people can mutually enjoy the amazing world of pet ownership and enjoy the affection and companionship that comes with this smashing responsibility and privilege.

Works Cited

Here are the various sources and references I drew from for this article:

Books

• Justice, Blair. (2000). Who Gets Sick: How Beliefs, Moods, and Thoughts Bear on Your Health. Peak Printing.
• Milan, Cesar. (2007). Cesar'south Mode: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Agreement & Correcting Mutual Dog Problems. Three Rivers Printing.
• Bradshaw, John. (2013). Cat Sense: How the New Feline Science Tin Brand You a Meliorate Friend to Your Pet. Basic Books.

Articles

• Cushman, Abi. Building a Relationship With Your Rabbit. My House Rabbit.
• Davis, Archie. Horse affection: How do they show it? Horsemart.
• Musi, Vincent. Skunk Lovers Unite: A Look at Pets and Their People. National Geographic.
• VanHooker, Brian. Ranking Every Pet by How Capable It Is of Loving You. Mel Mag.
• Vettel, Niki. Pet Passions: How I Fell in Honey With a Guinea Pig. Side by side Avenue.
• Are You a Potential Potbellied Hog Parent? PotbellyPigs.com.
• Cockatoos: The Most Appreciating Parrots on the Planet. Pets4Homes.

This commodity is accurate and true to the best of the author's noesis. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinarian medical professional person. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

Stu on July 07, 2020:

Y'all should remove cockatoo from the listing, you are extremely misinformed

Natalie on March 05, 2020:

i really like this website it is a cool spider web

Sudeshna on September 20, 2019:

Cows can be very affectionate , calm and cuddly very much emotional intellectual ..

It very much depends on owner how they pet them from childhood .. it's e'er two fashion relationship with any animal . P.s no one can be unsafe than man animal

Ricardo on May 31, 2019:

All birds are very appreciating. Besides the cat scrap seems biased...

Halenna tarin on March 22, 2019:

I would like a nother pet that is similar a ferret but not 1 it can cuddle and sleep and I can take it to school

Guinea squealer lover on March 05, 2019:

I would suggest republic of guinea pigs for affectionate pets and very sociable. Y'all can go out them past themselves but would recommend yous get two or more lest they get lonely.

Lux3 on Feb 10, 2019:

TThe writer seems quite ignorant almost parrots, both in terms of hands on feel also as the growing amount of research on their behavior.

They are not at all easy to have as pets--think a chimp or monkey with feathers. Yes, they can often be cuddly simply can also be highly demanding, intensely jealous and subversive. Even with the tamest ones, even with the smaller ones (conures), the demand social interaction (and love) is perhaps more than any other animal hither. Oh, and they are messy eaters and subversive for the fun of it.

As someone once wrote, they make wonderfully engaging pets if y'all don't listen having a 3-year old running around the house with a scissors for a mouth. (I should add together that I have two birds and they are loves of my life...but withal...)

Lorraine on February 05, 2019:

Can you please send me the commodity on getting rid of and preventing blood-red tear staining on pets chin, paws and effectually and under eyes? Thanks

Annie leblanc on July 25, 2018:

I love pets I have 3 but want more!!

John on July 05, 2018:

Some fantastic insights for pet lovers.

Burb on July 04, 2018:

Cockatoos are appreciating merely incredibly difficult pets to proceed. They are loud, needy, demanding, subversive, and moody. Toos are all-time for owners without children or many other pets, and whom are home nigh all the time. They are easy to fall in dearest with, and likewise the most frequent blazon of bird seen in shelters.

Domestic birds are social animals and incredibly affectionate in full general. They are also ane of the well-nigh intelligent species and always desire to be near you. But they too require their owners changing their lifestyles significantly... Imagine a toddler that never matures for 100 years and will die if you apply nonstick (teflon) pans or bleach in another room. Birds!

I'd recommend, if you're interested in a bird, adopting a pair of pigeons or doves. These are beautiful, cuddly birds, while not every bit intelligent as parrots, also are less likely to bite and don't scream. They can still be complicated animals to continue, and so always exercise your research.

Green cheek conures are besides very loving and, similar cockatiels, are not a "one person" bird. Mine loves giving kisses! But they as well are nippy and tin can seize with teeth haaaard, peculiarly during molting and mating season.

Daniel on April 05, 2018:

You're correct well-nigh rats. Ane was left with me and I looked after her not knowing much orcexpecting anything really. After a while I suddenly realised I had fallen in love become totally fastened to and bonded with her. When she died I bawled my eyes out. At present I have four of them at once. Every rat is an individual, they have big personalities. I simply wish they could live longer.

MissCapri on March 26, 2018:

Yous are right about cats - and rabbits, IMO, they may be just as affectionate as dogs, and readily show pleasure when a human is being appreciating. My sister had a cat when I was growing upwards. I loved that thing and was probably the 1 person who helped her grow from a cute cuddly kitten into a seriously lovey-dovey cat. She even came when called. And her favourite thing was to sit down in my lap or lie on me when I sprawled out in a bed or on the floor. I've had rabbits, and cypher but great experiences with them for affection. You lot can even see it in their eyes when they're enjoying being stroked. My rabbit purrs when she gets stroked, or nuzzled by me about her head. And - rabbits are great lickers!

SunnSpott on Dec 22, 2017:

I'd choose an adult, indoor, all-the-fourth dimension feline. My feel has been that about adoptees are happy to stay within! Nosotros have an adopted, middle aged true cat, right now. The trouble for me is that my husband is Kitty Jake's "chosen one." I don't get the pet affection I was hoping for, and, for a multitude of good reasons, my husband doesn't want any more than animals, so, I adopted an endangered species of tree (A Cedar of Lebanon -- Cedrus Ilbani)! I honey it. It grows nicely. Nosotros take play dates with other house plants (It won't go outside until spring.) and the Furbee I bought a few Christmasses ago. Jake follows u.s.a. around. He's quite curious most the whole thing. I cuddle with the Furbee. Odd, perchance, but information technology satisfies my "need."

your name on Nov 02, 2017:

i am trying to wait for an easy to expect after pet which will bear witness love towards me equally my cat just died afterwards being hitting by a car. i can't have another cat as it may happen once more and i can't have a dog as i practice not have that much time for it

Kouki on September 08, 2017:

I don't recommend parrots/cockatoo for a family/multiple people, because they tend to choose just ane person that they drown their affection in, while being hostile/cold towards everyone else. There's also no guarantee that the bird volition similar you as the owner. The cockatoo my parents got only likes my dad and brother, only letting them pet and concur her properly. If my mom or I try to touch on her, she's very skittish and likely to bite unless you lot're super conscientious (she likes existence massaged on the back of the neck by anyone, but y'all must arroyo carefully). Only my dad and brother are able to approach her carefree, and pet her beak without getting bitten.

GalaxyRat on April 29, 2017:

Thanks so much for including rats! I needed to see that

Leonard Tillerman (writer) from Toronto, Canada on February 27, 2017:

Thanks for the comment. :) Dogs tin make life complete. I cannot moving-picture show things without mine.

simplehappylife on February 27, 2017:

I think dogs are the most affectionate as well :) I have 3, Thomas (my 80lb hammy pit), Phil (my 5lb chiweenie), and Sam (my 7lb chihuahua). They are all incredibly sweet and bring so much daily joy to our lives, I tin can't imagine not having them here. They are just as much a role of our trivial family as nosotros are.

Thomas is funny. Every time I accept something new (wearing new pants, a new handbag, or what-accept-you lot), he comes over, smells information technology for a 2nd, then gives whatever it is one large lick. As if to say, "nice, I approve" :)

Nice article Leonard :) I enjoyed it :)

RTalloni on Feb 20, 2017:

A smashing list of pets! Saccharide gliders are a new-to-me animal. I find it interesting to "pet watch" as opposed to "people lookout"– not all dogs, or cats, or ? are the same so finding a pet that likes you, no matter what information technology is, is central to successfully enjoying the ownership.

Leonard Tillerman (author) from Toronto, Canada on February 17, 2017:

Thanks For the comment. At lot tin be said for just plainly treating pets properly and with honey. Affection will follow.

Pam McInnes from Ontario Canada on February 17, 2017:

I have two dogs, two cats, two chinchillas, and up until a year ago I had two rabbits (Motley my mini-velveteen passed abroad first at ten-years-sometime; a year later her life-mate and mini lop Christian, joined her).

I can honestly say that I don't recollect any ane of my beloved family unit members are any more appreciating than the other - they just show their angel differently. It is upwards to us to respect their different personalities and capeesh all they have to offer :)

Leonard Tillerman (author) from Toronto, Canada on Feb 17, 2017:

How-do-you-do

Thanks for the answer. :)

I know I wrote the article and should not play favorites...simply dogs are my fave.

Louise Powles from Norfolk, England on Feb 17, 2017:

Omg, the sugar glider'south eyes are too cute. Yeah, dogs are lovely to have. I've got a dog and beloved him very much. He's always licking.

Source: https://pethelpful.com/pet-ownership/Which-Pets-Are-The-Most-Affectionate

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